The Evaluation of the Influence Increased Immunomodulatory Effects of Anesthetic Drugs in Elderly Patients in the Perioperative Phase: A Review

Abstract

Every drug, taken for whatever purpose, has its set of implications on the patient. These drugs, apart from causing the desired effects in an individual's body, also work to cause several interactions with different parts of the body. In doing so, they may alter several mechanisms and also cause side effects if taken suddenly or without any checks and balances. These side effects are problematic and also the reason that causes a patient’s body to malfunction in the long run. In a very similar way, the impact of increased immunomodulatory effects of anesthetic drugs in elderly patients during the perioperative phase is an important topic in the field of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine. It is a well-known fact that anesthetic drugs, particularly intravenous anesthetics like propofol and inhalational anesthetics like isoflurane, can have immunomodulatory effects. These drugs can influence the immune response of the body, including cytokine production, leukocyte function, and the inflammatory response. However, the target audience here, that is, the elderly population is often already experiencing age-related changes in their immune system, a condition referred to as immunosenescence. This can lead to a less robust immune response, making them more susceptible to infections and complications. However, the pre-operative phase is a critical period when the patient’s body is exposed to various stressors, including surgery itself, tissue damage, and potential infections. This phase is when the immune system plays a significant role in maintaining the patient’s health. During such a delicate phase, anesthetic drugs may make elderly patients more vulnerable to postoperative infections. This can lead to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and a higher risk of complications. Immune suppression can also result in delayed wound healing and a slower recovery process. This can affect the overall quality of life for elderly patients. To address these problems, this review has been designed with the intention of highlighting all such problems that arise with the usage of anesthetic drugs in elderly patients.